8 Best Stick Vacuums Under $500 to Buy in 2025

This is a powerhouse performer wrapped in a sleek, modern design. With a 580W brushless motor and 48KPa of suction, the VBUOO cordless vacuum delivers professional-grade cleaning without breaking a sweat—perfect for homes battling pet hair, deep carpet gunk, or daily dust buildup. The tapered cyclone system prevents clogging while maximizing airflow, and the 1.8L dust cup means fewer trips to the trash can. If you’ve ever been frustrated by vacuums that stall mid-clean due to tangled hair, this one’s auto-shutdown protection is a thoughtful safeguard—though it demands regular brush roll maintenance.

In real-world testing, this vacuum easily cleared thick pet hair from plush carpets and handled hardwood-to-rug transitions like a champ. The 70-minute runtime in Eco mode is a standout—enough to deep-clean a 2,000+ sq ft home on a single charge. The LED touch screen isn’t just flashy; it gives instant feedback on battery, filter status, and suction level, letting you adapt on the fly. However, the motorized brush can struggle slightly on ultra-thick rugs when set to low power, and the weight (around 7.5 lbs) makes overhead cleaning a bit tiring over time. Still, the wall-mounted charging dock keeps everything organized and ready.

Compared to the LEVOIT LVAC-200, the VBUOO trades some lightweight agility for raw power and endurance—a fair trade if you prioritize deep cleaning over quick sweeps. It’s ideal for pet owners, large homes, or anyone who hates charging mid-clean. While the Tikom V500 offers better value under $100, the VBUOO justifies its higher cost with superior suction, battery life, and dust capacity, making it the best overall stick vacuum under $500 for performance-focused buyers.

Meet your daily cleaning sidekick: the LEVOIT LVAC-200 is a nimble, low-maintenance workhorse built for real-life messes. Its anti-tangle brush roll is a game-changer for pet owners tired of cutting hair off vacuum heads, and the 50-minute runtime in Eco mode covers most apartments or smaller homes with ease. The 5-stage filtration captures 99.9% of particles down to 0.3 microns, making it a strong ally for allergy sufferers. With 180° flat-lay design and three front LED lights, it dives under sofas and illuminates dust bunnies hiding in the dark—no more missed spots.

During testing, the suction held strong across hardwood, tile, and medium-pile carpet, though it showed slight strain on high-pile rugs in Turbo mode. The 30-minute runtime with the motorized head is decent but may require a mid-clean recharge for larger homes. The one-click dustbin emptying is hygienic and mess-free, and the dual-function 2-in-1 tool (crevice + pet brush) saves storage space. However, the 0.6L dustbin fills quickly during whole-home cleans, and the battery isn’t user-replaceable, limiting long-term value unless you buy a spare. It’s best suited for quick cleanups, pet hair touch-ups, and hard-surface dominance.

Priced between the budget Tikom and premium VBUOO, the LEVOIT hits the sweet spot for mid-range buyers who want smart features without overkill. It’s lighter and more convenient than the Shark HV322, but lacks the corded model’s continuous power. Compared to the VBUOO, it sacrifices battery life and suction strength for greater portability and ease of use. If you value tangle-free cleaning and daily convenience over marathon sessions, this is the best mid-range stick vacuum under $500.

Don’t let the price fool you—the Tikom V500 punches way above its weight class. For under $80, it delivers 40KPa suction, a color LED touch screen, and a 6-in-1 convertible design that transforms from stick to handheld in seconds. The anti-tangle brush roll handles pet hair with surprising efficiency, and the 6 LED headlights light up dust under beds and behind furniture like a pro. With 90° vertical and 180° horizontal swivel, it navigates tight corners and baseboards with ease, making it a maneuverability master in cluttered homes.

In real use, the 45-minute average runtime (Mid mode) comfortably cleans 1,200–1,500 sq ft spaces, though Turbo mode drains power fast (12 mins). The 1.3L dust cup strikes a balance—large enough for multiple rooms, small enough to avoid mess when emptying. The 7-stage HEPA filtration captures 99.99% of fine dust, a rare feature at this price, making it ideal for allergy-prone households. However, the suction drops slightly on thick carpets, and the plastic build feels less premium than higher-end models. It’s not built for 3,000 sq ft homes, but for dorms, small apartments, or secondary cleaning, it’s unbeatable.

When stacked against the LEVOIT LVAC-200, the Tikom offers more features and longer runtime for less money, though the LEVOIT wins in brush roll refinement and brand support. Against the Amazon Basics model, the Tikom is smarter, stronger, and more versatile despite a modest price bump. For buyers who want maximum functionality on a tight budget, the Tikom V500 is the best value stick vacuum under $500—a true budget-to-performance breakthrough.

This is pet hair’s worst nightmare: the Shark HV322 Rocket Deluxe Pro combines uninterrupted corded power with specialized pet tools to tackle fur on carpets, furniture, and stairs. With 500W of constant suction, it doesn’t fade like battery-powered models, making it ideal for deep weekly cleans. The XL 0.68-quart dust cup minimizes stops, and the LED headlights expose hidden debris in dark corners. The motorized pet nozzle aggressively lifts embedded hair from rugs, outperforming most cordless rivals in sheer pickup power.

In testing, it excelled on carpets and upholstery, especially with the included pet multi-tool and crevice nozzle. The convertible handheld mode is lightweight and powerful—perfect for car interiors or sofa deep cleans. However, the 19.7-foot cord limits range, and the lack of a battery means no portability beyond outlets. It’s also noisier than cordless models, and the dustbin is not one-touch empty, requiring manual hand contact. Still, for pet owners who prioritize raw cleaning power over convenience, it’s a top-tier choice.

Compared to the Tikom V500, the Shark trades portability and tech for unmatched pet hair removal and consistent suction. Against the LEVOIT LVAC-200, it wins on deep-cleaning ability but loses on daily usability and storage. If you’re willing to deal with a cord for superior pet hair performance, this is the best stick vacuum under $500 for pet owners.

The Shark HV371 is engineered for allergy warriors who demand clean air as much as clean floors. Its anti-allergen dust brush and sealed filtration system trap dust, pollen, and dander, while the HEPA-like performance ensures what’s sucked up stays trapped. With 500W of corded power and Advanced Swivel Steering, it glides under low furniture and pivots around legs with precision. The removable hand vacuum is perfect for quick upholstery or car cleanups, and the easy-release foot pedal lets you detach the wand instantly—no bending required.

Real-world use confirms its superiority on carpets and allergen-heavy surfaces, especially when paired with the upholstery tool. The LED lights help spot hidden dust, and the 0.68-quart XL cup reduces emptying frequency. However, like all corded models, the 19.7-foot power cord restricts mobility, and the plastic build feels less durable than premium cordless options. It also lacks a digital display or battery backup, limiting tech appeal.

Versus the HV322, the HV371 swaps pet-specific branding for allergen-focused tools, making it better for sensitive households. Compared to the LEVOIT, it offers stronger suction but less convenience. For allergy sufferers needing deep, reliable cleaning, this is the best stick vacuum under $500 for allergens—a corded champion with health in mind.

Sometimes, simple is brilliant—and the Amazon Basics 2-in-1 proves it. Weighing just 3.9 lbs, this featherlight corded vacuum is perfect for quick cleanups, upstairs jobs, or elderly users who need effortless handling. The 300W motor delivers steady suction on hard floors and low-pile rugs, and the washable HEPA filter traps 99.97% of particles, making it a solid choice for basic allergen control. The 2-in-1 design converts to handheld mode in seconds, and the built-in cord wrap keeps storage tidy in small closets or under sinks.

In practice, it shines on tile, laminate, and sealed hardwood, but struggles on thick carpets due to limited suction and brush roll power. The 0.5L dust cup fills quickly, requiring frequent emptying during larger jobs. The 19.7-foot cord offers decent reach, but the lack of LED lights means you’ll miss dust in dark corners. It’s not for deep cleans, but for spills, crumbs, or daily maintenance, it’s reliable and affordable.

Against the Bissell Featherweight, it offers better filtration and HEPA support. Compared to the Vacmaster, it has similar power but superior brand trust and availability. For those who want a no-frills, dependable backup vacuum, this is the best budget-friendly stick vacuum under $500—a no-nonsense tool that just works.

The Bissell Featherweight 2033 is the lightest warrior in the vacuum world—perfect for fast cleanups, stairs, or users with limited strength. At just under 4 lbs, it’s easy to carry up flights or use overhead. The 3-in-1 design (stick, handheld, stair vacuum) adds versatility, and the crevice tool helps reach tight spots. With 300W of corded power, it maintains consistent suction, ideal for hard floors, countertops, and low-pile rugs. The 15-foot cord is shorter than rivals, but sufficient for small spaces.

Testing shows it handles dry debris well but lacks the brush roll power for embedded dirt or pet hair. The 0.67L dust cup is average, and the no-HEPA filtration means it doesn’t trap ultra-fine particles—not ideal for allergy sufferers. It’s best for dorms, RVs, or quick kitchen spills, not whole-home deep cleans.

Compared to the Amazon Basics, it offers similar weight and power but misses HEPA, making the Amazon model a better value. Against the Vacmaster, it’s lighter but less powerful. For those prioritizing ultra-lightweight design, this is the best lightweight stick vacuum under $500—a minimalist’s dream.

The Vacmaster 2-in-1 is a hard floor specialist with 14KPa suction and a washable HEPA filter—a rare combo at this price. Its 3.7 lbs weight makes it one of the lightest corded vacuums available, ideal for quick cleanups on tile, vinyl, or hardwood. The telescopic wand extends reach for ceiling corners or high shelves, and the 2-in-1 brush tool handles edges and drapes with ease. The easy-empty dust cup minimizes mess, and the continuous corded power ensures no drop in performance.

In real use, it dominates on hard surfaces, picking up cereal, sand, and dust with ease. However, it struggles on medium-to-thick carpets due to limited brush roll agitation. The 85% particle capture rate is decent but falls short of true HEPA standards, so it’s not ideal for severe allergies. It’s best for kitchens, garages, or car cleaning where hard surfaces dominate.

Versus the Amazon Basics, it offers slightly better suction and lighter weight, but less filtration efficiency. Compared to the Bissell Featherweight, it adds HEPA and better tools. For hard floor-focused homes needing a lightweight, affordable workhorse, this is the best stick vacuum under $500 for hard floors—a niche performer done right.